You’re planning on booking your first fishing trip. A deep-sea fishing trip is one that you’ll remember forever and you don’t have to be a professional at fishing in order to go on one.
In fact, many beginners and first-timers go on trips to catch fish that they’ve never seen before. It’s an experience that you can learn a lot from!
If you want to learn how to fish, a guided deep-sea fishing trip could be a great experience for you. Here are a few amateur mistakes that you should be aware of before heading out to your trip.
Don’t Forget Your License
Before even thinking about stepping on the boat, you need one important document: a fishing license.
No matter where you’re planning to fish, this is important to have before casting your line into the water. It also helps to sustain the wildlife in the area where you’re fishing.
Going out without a fishing license can leave you with a hefty fine when caught.
When going on a fishing trip with Wave Dancer Charters, you’ll need a Texas Saltwater Fishing License to legally catch fish. In fact, it’s important to check the list of things to bring along with you on your trip for anything additional you might need.
If you make sure you have your license with you when heading onto the boat, then you’ll have nothing to worry about.
What’s the Weather Like?
Weather will always play a huge part in your fishing trip. It’s important to monitor it for your own safety while out on the water. You don’t want to be on the boat in the middle of a storm!
Weather is also helpful in finding out where the fish are. Often, the time of day is another factor that can help you determine when the fish will bite the most or least.
No Slack Here
When you’re fishing, the last thing you want to do is leave slack on your fishing line.
If there’s slack in the line, then you could easily lose a fish instead of hooking it. You’re on a trip to catch fish, not to lose them!
If you notice that there’s slack on your fishing line, you can reel in your line a little more. Making sure your line is tighter will help the fish hook on better when it bites. You’ll also be able to feel the fish biting much better.
Making sure that your line is in good condition is also important to fishing success. An old-line can break when a fish bites onto it, meaning you lose the fish and the lure.
When on a fishing trip with a guide this will be taken care of for you already. Despite this, it’s always good to check your line before casting anyway!
Hooked On Catching Fish
Hooks are another item that can make or break your fishing trip.
Firstly, you have to use the proper hook for what you’re fishing. This means that the size will change according to the size of fish that you’re trying to catch. It also has to work well with your lure.
Another mistake that many anglers have made is using an older hook. Using an old hook means that it’s more likely to break and you lose your catch. A new hook is sharp and more durable, making it easier for you to bring your catch up to the boat.
A guide for your fishing trip will provide you with the best hook for what you’re looking to catch. They’ll make sure that the equipment is also up to par.
Using Your Bare Hands to Pick Up Fish
When you reel in a nice catch, there’s nothing you want more than to pick it up and show it off to the world!
One thing you should consider doing is wearing gloves when handling the fish. If you handle it with bare hands, the fish could jump out of your hands and back into the water. They still have a lot of energy when you reel them into the boat!
Another reason to wear gloves is in case of a bite or scratch from a fish. Many fish have sharp teeth that can do some damage. Wearing gloves will protect you from a bite.
Despite this, fish aren’t something to fear! They’re amazing creatures that you’re sure to be mesmerized by. Get a grip on your fish with a pair of gloves!
Listen to the Experts
Guides are great to have by your side when on a fishing trip for many reasons.
One mistake that many beginners make is to be overconfident and disregard the instructions or tips from the guide.
Guides know the area that they take you to very well. They spend a lot of time on the water and know the best way to do things. They’re always there to help you reach your ultimate goal: catching fish!
They’re there to guide you through every step of the process, from setting a hook to reeling in fish.
Listening to them can mean that you catch boatloads of fish rather than nothing. Taking their recommendations and tips into consideration can turn a good fishing trip into a great one for you.
Feel Free to Ask For Help
On that note, never be afraid to ask your guide to help you out! You can have a lot more fun and bring in more fish if you’re doing it properly.
Guides are always happy to help new anglers as they set out to catch fish. They won’t be judgemental and they’ll always be happy to set you up for success.
If you have a question, always ask them!
Ready to Catch Fish for Yourself?
Deep-sea fishing can be an exciting time, especially for a beginner! You can catch once in a lifetime fish like the red snapper and the kingfish. You might even have the chance to catch a shark!
Wave Dancer Charters offers all types of packages to choose from to plan a fishing trip that you’ll love. They’ll take you out for an amazing time in the Gulf of Mexico where you can catch fish for hours.
Planning to make a trip to Galveston or do you live there already? Why not go out on an adventure with the team here at Wave Dancer Charters? Contact us to book your incredible fishing trip!
